By Babyface Mutrumudoo
I belong to the constituency which is very critical of the performance of Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan.
The 24-year-old has undoubtedly been associated with the 'very good' and at the same time with the 'very bad' in his football career, earning the local parlance accolade of "Dumfo Kumfo".
But to be very honest, i believe the 'Baby Jet' is beginning to let some of us eat humble pie.
Again, if it takes fierce-constructive criticisms to make a gifted player like Gyan realise the enormous potential he possesses, then I'd always eat that humble pie with a big fork.
To take you aback a bit, this is a player who was heavily criticized (myself inclusive) during the 2008 Africa Nations Cup which Ghana was supposed to have hosted and won.
Ghana's supposed top striker at the end of the tournament had recorded only one goal which came from the penalty spot - so tell me, don't we deserve the right then to register our displeasure?
But again to be very honest i believe some of my peers took it a bit too far. Venomous attacks on his persona made it difficult for the main aim of our stand then to hold, rather it was seen by many as a destructive tactic emanating from jealousy and hatred.
Criticisms no matter how piercing it is in my candid opinion is very welcomed provided its based on facts, figures and devoid of personal attacks meant to put the victim on his/her toes.
Fast-forward to current times, Gyan is undoubtedly having a year to savour, there is some sort of maturity in his game even though i still have a little problem with his consistency.
I am now more than ever convinced that the former Liberty Professionals player is close to realising his fullest potential to completely put to bed the ghost of his some-what erratic career.
His performance at the African Cup in Angola at the beginning of the year and the World Cup in South Africa not only earned him a record move to English side Sunderland and a nomination to the Fifa player of the Year award plus Ballon d'Or, but has given a Ghanaian in a very long time a more than realistic chance of winning the Africa Player of year award.
I could only sit and and watch with keen interest his performance keeps appreciating so i wouldn't have to shelve my humble pie yest.
Well done Gyan, keep it up.